Game: Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
Developer: Machine Games
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Reviewed: PS4
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus was one of Bethesda Softworks most anticipated titles of 2017. With the original remake being as good as it was, fans of the franchise and newcomers to the series alike were eagerly awaiting to see the next installment. And to say it frankly, the game does not disappoint.
If you liked Wolfenstein The New Order then The New Colossus is going to be right up your alley. It follows through with its crazy gameplay and over the top mission structures resulting in one of the most hectic games to release as of late. Picking up exactly off where the first game ended, BJ Blazkowicz is coming to from his second coma. However, this coma was only a couple months, unlike the 14-year coma from the original game.
Right from the beginning of the game, developer Machine Games made a simple opening one of the craziest by making BJ kill a boatload of Nazis while in a wheelchair! It’s one of the coolest segments of the game and it’s only the about 10 minutes into the game. The New Colossus continues through strong as it gives players loads of new ways to play the game.
Upgrades, weapon customization, and more are all present playing a bigger role than it did in the previous title. You will now have the option to upgrade your guns to better fit your playstyle; do you go with the silenced submachine gun with the extended mag or go gun blazing with armor piercing shotgun shells? The choice is yours.
As prominent as the gameplay is, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus shocked me the most with its heavy narrative. This time around players gets a deeper look into BJ’s early life. We get to see the rough upbringing he had and it connects the player and BJ closer together. You really start to feel for the guy and understands why the way he is.
Those flashbacks to BJ as a kid were one of the most interesting and captivating parts of the game, having me want them to go on longer. It was extremely shocking to see as the game is so heavy on its tight gameplay. It gave a great break between levels, allowing the perfect balance between story and gameplay.
The story portions that don’t involve BJ’s childhood are also as good. The game has a certain style when in cutscenes, different camera angles and shifts make it almost feel like an old over the top action war movie. The diverse group of characters you come across are also awesome; rebel leader Grace, main antagonist Frau Engel, and many other give top-notch performances for their characters. Some are funny, some are serious, and others are a little cringy.
Now, this is all opinionated, but depending on your sense of humor some of the jokes could fall flat, resulting in some very awkward moments. However, Machine Games did do an excellent job balancing out the jokes and the seriousness of the Nazis ruling the world perfectly. There is just enough to separate the two without feeling overburdened by one or the other.
Now, let’s switch gears to the more focused part of the game, the gameplay. Like you should have expected, Machine Games nailed it on the head with Wolfenstein’s hectic, frantic gunplay gameplay. It is a thrilling experience taking out a room full of Nazis with your desired playstyle. Dual wielding shotguns, the newly added mixing of two different guns, or silently trying to hack each enemy with your trusty and gruesome handaxe are all awesome ways to play.
It’s actually quite addicting, taking out waves of enemies with a song that matches to your actions is beyond awesome. Trying to synch up shots and have it look badass will definitely be on your to-do list when playing the game as it is too much fun to pass up. However, if you were looking for new level structures, you are kind of out of luck.
The New Colossus follows a very similar path to The New Order. You begin the game, do a couple of missions, recruit your crew, and head off to the final mission. Not that this is a bad level structure, it just felt really similar to how the first game played out in terms of actual level design. Besides that though, there is little wrong with Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus.
After completing the main base of the game, you will be opened up to a slew of side missions. This is where players can really ignite the revolution and take on special commanders and whatnot. The game is decently long as it stands, now throw in a slew of side missions and the worth of the game increases.
Having it be an only singleplayer game with no multiplayer functionality is also super impressive. Most games tack on a multiplayer portion just to maintain its engagement, but The New Colossus doesn’t need it as Bethesda and Machine Games did enough work in its single-player portion to warrant a $60 purchase.
If you have played Wolfenstein: The New Order or if you’re new the franchise (I advise playing the first title before jumping into this one), Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is worth your time. It has some of the best gunplay in any recent first-person shooter, extremely addicting gameplay, and a deeper than expected story. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus delivers on all fronts.
Will you be picking up Wolfenstein 2: The New Order? Are you interested in the new title? Let us know in the comments below!
